Up To Date

The Coronavirus Pandemic Is Driving Food Insecurity Among Young People

By Steve Kraske,

Published September 15, 2020 at 2:30 PM CDT

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Volunteers unload a food truck before the pandemic. Harvesters has had to change how it distributes food to limit exposure to the coronavirus.

Just a few months ago, food insecurity was said to be at its lowest point since before the Great Recession.

Now, as many as 18 million children may be food insecure, and 38% of students at 4-year colleges said they have experienced limited or uncertain access to adequate food since the coronavirus struck.

Anthony Maly, senior program manager at the UMKC Office of Student Involvement
Sarah Biles, communications director at Harvesters

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Up To Date Kansas City Missouri (KCMO)Talk Show Podcast food food insecurity food pantry youth UMKC Harvesters

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Liam Mays

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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